Becoming Her Lover

Chapter 11

Gaining Popularity

That night, Kotori got her wish. Umi took her home and they got to spend some more time together. Umi was definitely against this, but they eventually shared a bath together. Kotori took good care of Kotori, but the treatment wasn't exactly the same the other way. Umi was still a little uncomfortable about the whole open body thing with Kotori, even though they've made love before. After that, they quickly got ready for bed. This was where things got a little different. Umi was the one who spooned Kotori and Kotori was totally taken by surprise by this. Her face was all red as Umi wrapped her arm around her body. With these events in play, the two of them peacefully turned over for the night.

When they got to school the next day, Eli called a sudden meeting and everyone met up in the clubroom. They were all a little shocked since this was the first actual time they were meeting as a full group. They all settled in as Eli took the floor.

"So I was approached yesterday by some businessman and he said he wanted to use us in a game. Yes, I know. It's completely random, but I think this is a good opportunity. This may help us get more popular. What do you guys think?" Everyone started to chatter amongst themselves.

"If we agree, when would we meet with him?"

"He said that he'd be willing to see us this weekend. Are any of us busy?" They all shook their heads. "Alright, well, I think we should check this out. It won't hurt us just to as how things are going to work. Let's just be prepared to perform in case if they want to see how good we are." They nodded in agreement and Eli concluded the meeting. They all exited the room when Kotori met up with Umi.

"Umi-chan, what do you think about that idea?"

"Huh? I don't really know. I mean, it's really cool how we're being noticed as a group, but I don't know how things will turn because of it."

"You sound worried. I think it'll go just fine."

"I hope so. As long as there isn't anything embarrassing to do, I'll be fine."

…

When they went to the meeting, Umi was speechless. The businessman explained to them that it would be a tap game that included all of their songs. Players would collect cards that had them on and each card would be them in all sorts of cute outfits. Everyone really enjoyed the idea… Everyone, except Umi. Kotori noticed her awkwardness and tried to ease her pain, but it was no use. Umi was so against this idea that she couldn't even speak.

Once all of the talking was done, everyone agreed to their terms. Umi didn't really have a say in it since she was the only one who didn't really like the idea. However, Kotori was by her side the entire time as she held her hand and told her that everything would be alright. For their first order of business, they had Muse record some of their songs and luckily, they had some songs ready to sing. Immediately, the people working there were impressed how well they performed it. Everything sounded good and they blended together as a group.

After the singing part, one of the ladies working guided them into the changing room where there was a set of costumes specially made for them. They were pretty much the same, but had their own unique flair to each individual one. The theme was summer bathing suits which Umi was completely against. She tried leaving the room, but Kotori was there to stop her.

"Umi-chan, please try it out. I'm sure it'll be fine."

"No way. This sort of thing is so vile and so embarrassing. I can't do this."

"Please Umi-chan. You can change in private. I'll make sure no one sees you. I'll make sure no one stares at you when you're changed."

"Really?"

"Of course." I want Umi-chan to be comfortable with this. This is such a cool idea that I don't anyone to not have a great time. Come on." Kotori pulled her back into the room where she grabbed their outfits and started to change. Kotori changed first so that Umi could change in peace. However, when she was finished changing, she called Kotori to come inside and when she did, Kotori nearly fainted from a nosebleed. "Oh my goodness, Umi-chan, you're bathing suit is so cute."

"No, it's not. It's so revealing. How come you get where all of those clothes and I have barely anything covering me." Kotori smiled.

"You looked great, Umi-chan. Come on, let's get out there."

"But…" Without waiting for Umi to finish, she dragged her out of the changing room and into the main room where the photoshoot part was taking place.

When they got there, Umi looked around and saw that all of the other girls were wearing just as embarrassing bathing suits as her. Eli and Maki were wearing almost exactly the same thing and yet, they were acting completely fine. She sighed. She wanted to be comfortable like them, but something inside of her was saying that this was just too much for her. One by one, the photographer called them over and had each of them stand in a pose that was comfortable for them. However, when it was Umi-s turn, she was frozen solid.

"Sonoda-san, you gotta give me a simple pose. It doesn't have to be anything special." Umi stood there with a blank face and nothing going on in her head. "Sonoda-san, are you there?" Out of nowhere, Kotori ran up to her and whispered something in her ear.

"Umi-chan, just look at me and I'll help you out." Those words managed to snap Umi out of her little trance. Kotori ran back behind the camera and struck a pose that was simple for Umi. Umi did her best to try and copy it and got some pretty good results.

"Very good, Sonoda-san. You're a natural."

After everyone finished up their photos, they were taken back to the changing where there were two more outfits for them to try on. Umi couldn't do it anymore, but Kotori was by her side and told her that she would be here the entire time. She then kissed her on the cheek and got ready. That kiss, somehow, motivated Umi to push through all of this uncomfortable atmosphere.

The next set was maid themed and Umi a lot easier time with this. The outfit covered most of her body so she was already more comfortable with this one. However, Kotori helped her out with the pose since Umi wasn't much a girly-girl when it came to things like this. The last outfit was another easy one. It resembled a sailor uniform in that it was white and very cute. Umi managed to get through this one as well. When the day was over, the manager talked to them one last time saying that everything was a success. He also said that depending on the initial start of this plan, they might be called back for more. Everyone enjoyed themselves and thought it was really fun… Everyone, except Umi.

Before they all left, the managed handed them a device that was dedicated to the game that they were making. It was still in beta so nothing was truly set in stone, but they all adored the look of it. Each of them got to start with them as their starter girl with other random girls that apparently signed up for this job. He explained the concept to them one more time and let them go on their way.

On the way home, Umi was completely silent. She was still thinking everything she had to go through and everything that was not on her bucket list. Being in that embarrassing bathing suit was not one of them. However, she also thought about Kotori and how she was by her side the entire time. This managed to bring a smile to her face. Instead of enjoying herself during that photoshoot, she tried her best to make Umi as comfortable as possible and made sure she looked good in front of the cameras.

"Kotori, why do you do things like this?"

End of Chapter 11